OK, a manageable seven-game gap between myself and that cocky Dave Dyer.
Here goes with this week’s info:
Friday night
Make or break time for the Methuen Rangers. A win against Lowell and the dream lives.
Lowell has two big wins, looking to announce its presence with authority.
I’ll stick with my rolling Rangers, 22-13.
Pinkerton at Brockton
New Hampshire’s reputation is in the hands of the Astros and BG Cardinals, who travel to Billerica.
If we’re going to respect the Granite State, both have to win in what is a down year, WAY DOWN, in Eastern Mass. football.
I say the Guinto group gets it done. Stros 24, Oxers 16
Andover at Dracut
The trip down Route 113 might be worth it here, not just for the Middie franks and the best hot cocoa in the Valley. The scoreboard should resemble a pinball machine here.
Still, I like Dracut.
Midwives 33, Andover 31
Staples of Connecticut 23, at North Andover 7
That was easy.
Memorial at Londonderry
A much-needed cupcake for the Lancers, who come off battles with Pinkerton and Manchester Central. And they get Memorial bouncing off a win.
Lancers 34, Memorial 0
Wilmington at Lawrence
Tough to make something out of Wilmington, which is 5-0 but hasn’t beaten a club with a winning record yet. Lawrence is in severe regroup mode coming off two losses. The winner is legitimized.
Post-Almeida Cats 14, LHS 12
North at Salem
North’s wins have come over Merrimack, West and Memorial. Enough said on that. Salem licks its wounds and gets back on track.
B-Devs 23, Nashua Not 7
Exeter at Timberlane
Tons at stake for Derek Furey and Co. as they tackle the defending champs. A win is gigantic for the Owls as it pertains to their place in Division.
Good news is Furey (970 yards rushing) gets his grand.
The bad news is Exeter wins.
Blue Hawks/Hens/Demons/Devils 34, Owls 28
Kearsarge at Pelham
Back to back trips to the capital region haven’t slowed the Python express, don’t expect Kearsarge to either.
P’ham 17, Kearsarge 6
Saturday’s games
Haverhill at Central Catholic
Haverhill might be 1-5, but the Hillies can put points on the board, something Central has struggled mightily with.
Still, you have to think the Raiders have enough.
CC 28, HH 26
Amesbury at Pentucket
Pentucket’s ball control vs. Amesbury’s balance and misdirection. It’s too bad this one only counts for pride. Yes, that’s a shot at the CAL coaches.
Let’s see, how’s the saying go? Offense wins games, defense wins championships. This is just a game.
Amesbury 6, Sachems 0
Murdock at Georgetown
Immediately, when I saw this game, I figured John Thompson was back at it, doing the Georgetown scheduling. “What, St. Leo’s wasn’t available?”
Hoyas 28, Can’t think of a good Murdock reference 6
Ham-Wenham at North Reading
Career week on tap for Darren Hartwell. Generally speaking, nobody in the H-W jerseys can hang with Hartwell.
NR 35, H-W 10
North Shore at Greater Lawrence
Inside info says the Bulldogs have a special offensive game plan worked up for the Reggies.
Smaller is better in the CAC this year. This one is just more proof.
NST 11, GLT 6
ME at Whittier
The Wildcats come of age in yet another exciting offensive matchup. Footballs will be flying. Don’t make any early dinner plans.
John Greenleaf’s favorites 23, By-the-sea’ers 12
Sanborn at Lebanon
Two straight for the fledgling Indians? The long bus trip might be the biggest deterrent.
A little confidence goes a long way.
Chase and Sanborn 14, I-89 crew 9
Phillips at NMH
Phillips gets the Berkshire County trip probably a week late for prime leaf-peeping season. NMH makes them pay, though.
NMH 24, Big Blue 17
Brooks at Lawrence Academy
Tough sledding for the Brooksians here.
LA 19, Brooks 0
As an aside, my non-region pick of the week will be Bishop Guertin of Nashua over unbeaten Billerica, 22-12.
